Some people have said that the past week has been slow in terms of political news.

Perhaps thats because its all been positive news from the Government as of late, with the economy growing at its fastest quarterly pace in five years, and the Prime Minister announcing a new set of ambitious targets for Better Public Services. While the targets are indeed ambitious, theyre by no means unachievable, and for the first time in a while the media have been forced to take a slightly more positive approach to the Governments announcements. You cant argue with specific measurable aims such as reducing numbers on the Jobseeker Support benefit by 30%, increasing ECE participation to 98%, and increasing infant immunisation to 95% by 2017. Unless youre Chris Hipkins who labelled them meaningless. For us we had a great week with the Hon Hekia Parata joining us for breakfast at Capers, and a successful events planning session this evening at Eureka. Weve also been invited to help drive the Partys Education PAG forum in Dunedin very soon, which will be a good chance to put our views forward on the state of education in New Zealand at present. Finally, the Executive have agreed, as part of our rebuild of the organisation, to hold an AGM in September to elect a new Executive for the next 12 months. I would encourage you all to think seriously about stepping up as Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary, Policy Chair, or Communications Officer, and help the organisation continue to grow over the next 12 months as we aim for a Membership of over 200 in time for the 2014 election. But to do so, you first have to take the step and become a financial Member so do so now!

Breakfast with Hon Hekia Parata

We were lucky to be joined by Hon Hekia Parata for breakfast last Saturday. The Minister impressed us all with her extensive knowledge of the education portfolio and the changes required to make our good education system a great one.

She covered many of the Governments desires for the education sector, including the need for good quality data on school performance, and incentivising higher quality teachers into education. This was another great opportunity for our Members to sit down with Ministers at the top of government, following the session with Hon Tony Ryall several weeks ago. Were looking forward to a few more in the future, including the Attorney General Hon Chris Finlayson, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister himself.

Re-O Week
On Wednesday 11 July well be hosting a table at the Otago University Clubs Day from 10:00am 4:00pm in the OUSA Clubs and Societies Building. We do need some helpers to man the tables from time to time, so if you have any time to spare please drop Todd Dickens a line. We also hope to welcome down National List MP Dr Cam Calder and others and show them a good time around Dunedin. Following that on Thursday 12 July well be hosting a Market Day BBQ on campus. Well be cooking up plenty of free sausages around noon thanks to the generous donation of our Dunedin North and South electorates. Be sure to come along if you have time, and grab a bite to eat.

Young Nats and National Party Annual Conferences

Both of the main conferences for 2012 are being held in Auckland towards the end of July. The NZ Young Nats Conference and AGM is being held on Friday 20 July from 2:30pm and is free for all Members. You need to register for the conference in advance via the YNC 2012 website. Following the conference there will be a mixer with some of New Zealands political, diplomatic and business leaders at 1885 in Britomart. This is $15 for all Members, and non-Members under 25. The National Party Annual Conference is being held from 21 22 July. Registration for Young Nats is discounted if you register before 12 noon on Friday 13 July. All details can be found on the MyNational site. The Auckland Central electorate is also holding a fundraiser

for the Canterbury Westland Region in Britomart just prior to the Young Nats event, and Members will be able to attend both.

Virtual Tipping
The Super Rugby was back in town last weekend, and it wasnt a great weekend for South Island teams, with the Highlanders almost certainly out of the playoffs and the Crusaders needing to win every game from here out to take the title. John Brinsley-Pirie continues to extend his lead at the top of the table and now looks certain to take out the competition, pulling in the most points for this round along with Scott Miller and myself.

Steveman holds on to his lead in the NRL and with less than 10 rounds to go some conservative picks will see him take it out.

Cheers, James Meager Chair Young Nationals Southern Region

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